With its rich history, culture, and techniques dating back centuries, it’s no surprise that France has produced some of the best wines in the world. As one of the major wine-producing countries on earth, French Country wines offer a variety of styles, flavors, and characteristics that are sure to impress both your eyes and your palate. If you’re curious about the next wine you’ll be buying at your local liquor store or planning your next trip to France, here are 10 things you need to know about French wine before your next dinner party!
1) Get to Know the Geographical Region for Exclusive Wine Tours
Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne are the most well-known and respected wines in France. But there are many other areas that produce excellent wines, including the Loire Valley, Provence, and the Rhône Valley. Many of these fabulous regions have exclusive wine tours as well.
2) Best Wine Regions in France
There are many different wine regions in France, each with its own climate and soil type that produces unique wines. The best wine regions in France are Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, but there are many others worth exploring.
3) Reims, Champagne, and Sparkling Wine
Reims, in the Champagne region of France, is home to some of the best sparkling wines in the world. The climate and soil here are perfect for growing the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes that are used to make champagne. If you’re looking for French wine to impress your guests, look no further than champagne from Reims.
4) Bourgogne, Beaujolais and Burgundy Wines: Gamay Grapes
These are some of the most popular and well-known French wines. Bourgogne is a red wine made from Pinot Noir grapes, Beaujolais is a light red wine made from Gamay grapes, and Burgundy is a dry red wine made from Pinot Noir grapes.
5) Alsace-Lorraine Wines
These wines are some of the most distinctive in France and are made from a variety of grapes including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris. The taste of these wines can range from dry to sweet, and they pair well with a variety of foods.
6) Languedoc Region Wine
The Languedoc Region in the south of France is one of the most dynamic and exciting wine regions in the world. The wines are often high in quality and offer great value. Be sure to explore the diversity of terroirs and grape varieties that can be found throughout this large area. A dry rosé from Tavel may be just what you’re looking for, while a rich red from Gigondas will do nicely if meat is on the menu.
7) What is Bordeaux Wine?
A very common question we come across is what is Bordeaux wine? Bordeaux wines are some of the most popular in the world. They are made in the Bordeaux region of France and are known for their full-bodied taste. The most common varieties of Bordeaux wines are red, but there are also white and rose options. If you’re looking to impress your guests with a bottle of French wine, Bordeaux is a great option.
8) Champagne, Armagnac, and Cognac Region of France
-Champagne is a sparkling wine that is made in the Champagne region of France.
-Cognac is a brandy that is made in the Cognac region of France.
-Armagnac is a brandy that is made in the Armagnac region of France.
-All three of these drinks are made from grapes, and each has its own distinct flavor.
9) Rhone Valley, Provence, and Northern Coast wines
The Rhone Valley is home to some of the most full-bodied red wines, as well as some excellent white wines. Provence is known for its rosés, which are perfect for summer sipping. The Northern Coast produces some of the country’s best sparkling wines.
10) How You Order Wine in France
In France, the waitstaff will often ask if you’d like an aperitif before your meal. This is an alcoholic beverage served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Once you’re seated for your meal, the waiter will present a wine list. If you don’t see anything that interests you, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for the sommelier’s recommendations. When ordering, it is standard practice to give the number of bottles rather than glasses. Typically this is how you order wine in France!
